The deployment of military-grade equipment and personnel during immigration raids and protest surveillance in Los Angeles has sparked concern from civil rights groups, who say the response has exceeded normal enforcement levels.
According to KTLA, on June 14, around 60 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents wearing tactical gear raided the Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet in Los Angeles County. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) helicopter circled overhead during the operation. Agents searched vendor booths and restrooms, demanded identification, and canceled scheduled performances at the venue.
The swap meet, popular in the Latino community, draws thousands of visitors weekly. A vendor, Araceli Lopez, said, “They even dragged people out of the restroom,” adding that her parents and grandmother have been forced to pause their business. Organizers stated the raid occurred without prior notice or consent.
A similar operation unfolded in Compton. Video footage obtained by the Los Angeles Times from June 9 shows a green, military-style armored vehicle entering a residential neighborhood. Armed personnel in military uniforms, helmets, and bulletproof vests were seen carrying paintball-style nonlethal weapons. Although one firearm was briefly aimed, it is unclear whether it was fired. Equipment mounted on top of the vehicle appeared to be designed for breaching walls. Residents reported that a metal gate was destroyed and that five to seven individuals, including children, were detained.
Military surveillance has also expanded to protests. Advocacy groups have noted the presence of a Black Hawk military helicopter and an MQ-9 Predator B surveillance drone above downtown LA. The MQ-9 is typically used in overseas military operations and can be weaponized. Tech outlet 404 Media reported that while the MQ-9 model is capable of carrying Hellfire missiles, there is no evidence it was armed during operations in LA.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated the drone was unarmed and used solely to monitor the safety of federal personnel. The agency denied that the drone was used to monitor protests. Still, civil liberties groups warned that expanding aerial surveillance in public spaces could threaten privacy and freedom of expression.
The Trump administration has deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to downtown Los Angeles to support immigration enforcement. Scott Sherman, the operations commander, said the Marines are not engaged in direct law enforcement and are tasked with protecting ICE agents.
However, public concern intensified after Marines were seen detaining a civilian. On June 13, Reuters reported that Marine personnel apprehended a civilian near a federal building. The individual was later identified as a naturalized U.S. citizen and Army veteran. Because military involvement in civilian law enforcement is rare, civil rights advocates have raised legal and constitutional concerns.
Protests opposing the raids continue throughout Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported that a total of 561 arrests have been made in connection with protest activities.
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
